HCS HB 1347 -- COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION

SPONSOR:  Kingery (Myers)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Higher
Education by a vote of 10 to 1.

Currently, students at all public and private colleges, except
private trade schools, are required to take an examination on the
United States and Missouri constitutions and on American history
and institutions.  This substitute eliminates the requirement for
private colleges and makes it apply only to candidates for an
associate of arts or bachelor's degree.  The substitute also
clarifies that the requirement may be satisfied by an examination
or a three-hour course and requires public institutions to report
how they are ensuring fulfillment of the requirement by September
1, 2007.  The duty of the commissioners of Higher Education and
Elementary and Secondary Education to prescribe lists of suitable
textbooks is eliminated.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that many students graduating from
college have little idea how American government works or how
American history affects their everyday lives.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Myers.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say an American literature
or history requirement would be an imposition on technical school
students seeking associate of science or applied science degrees
or certificates.

Others testifying on the bill were Linn State Technical College;
University of Missouri; and Associated Students of the University
of Missouri.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:43 am